3 Wheeler Buggies 10 Things I'd Love To Have Known In The Past
3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheel buggy is great for rough terrain, offering an easy ride for your infant. They are also easier to push and maneuver than a four-wheel buggy especially those equipped with fabric slings or seat units that are placed in a tight position within the frame and provide the best design and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheel buggy has excellent stability, which is why it's a good option for off-road walking (especially with an all terrain or off-road-style seat). These types of buggys typically have large front tires that are able to handle bumps, kerbs and rough terrain. Some have a lockable wheels on the front for additional stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It is important to keep in mind that 3-wheel buggies have lower center of gravity than the 4-wheeled versions, which could mean they are more likely to fall over. The best 3-wheeled pushchairs have been designed with perfect geometry to ensure that they remain stable in any condition. They should be able to turn at a whim and be easy to steer using one hand. They also come with the ability to rotate 360o on the front wheel which makes them ideal for maneuvering over difficult terrain.
Look for models that have pneumatic tyres. These are designed to work on tracks that are not paved, and are able to withstand dirt, gravel, rocks, etc. Many all-terrain buggies come with an swivelling wheel on the front that can be locked for extra stability when you're dealing with rough terrain.
A tri-wheeled pram is a great option for runners and those who like to walk fast uphill. This is particularly true if you are planning to attach an infant car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent model. It features an incline-reclining seat that is flat, with 5-point harness and plenty of storage space for all your gear (plus the ability to extend 50+ of the sun hood). It's lightweight, compact and suitable for babies and can be used in conjunction with car seats or a carrycot. It also allows for some light jogging but isn't intended for serious runners.
Weight
If you're seeking a buggy that can tackle difficult terrain, then you should select one with large tires. They are designed to tackle cobbles, grass and dirt tracks easily while providing a smooth ride. They're also good for jogging since they're equipped with suspension and are easy to get up and down kerbs. However, the trade off is that they are quite heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the best 3 wheel buggy to use on rough terrain (pictured above). The 3-wheel buggy is extremely mobile due to its 16 rear wheels as well as the front wheel can be locked. It has tyres with air that require pumping up from time to time. It can carry children up until the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler loved the shape of the seat, and she was able to steer it easily with her three-year-old riding along.
Another option that is great is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, that comes with an adjustable handlebar and a high-quality hood with 50+ UV protection. It is also easy to move kerbs up and down, and can fit into the car's boot space in a small size. It can also be used as a pram with an infant car seat for newborns and toddlers.
Sling seats made of fabric fit snugly inside the frame of the buggie rather than on top of it like modular seats. This design provides a lower center of gravity that is at the ideal height, making it easier to push and lighter to kerb pop (you can never think about how often you'll do this when you're a new parent!)
Seating
There are a variety of options for seating in 3 wheelers. The included carrycot plus is perfect for newborns (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a comfy and cozy lay-flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy). Older infants and toddlers will appreciate the spacious and padded seat with adjustable ventilation. The seats do not recline fully, but they can be lowered to the lowest position. This should still allow your child to have plenty of room and headroom.
A fabric sling seat is also available, which is positioned snugly inside the frame, rather than sitting on top as a modular seat and this delivers a much lower centre of gravity and perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, particularly on bumpy terrain or over curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this type of seat handled obstacles.
This type of buggy has a large basket and other features that are useful like an hood that can be extended with 50+ UV protection, an easy to use brake pedal, and some unique visibility lights that can be positioned in front of the occupants to increase safety on rough terrain.
If you're looking for a single buggy that will expand with your family, there's the brand-new sport(tm) that is a world's first that can take one baby from day dot and then adjust to take 2 or even 3 after your children have grown in the space of one buggy.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame is much more stable and can be pushed by one hand. It's also better for terrain that is difficult. The shopping basket is smaller than a four-wheeler.
A high-quality ATP will have excellent suspension, pneumatic tyres as well as an ergonomic handle that is cushioned for your comfort. It is also equipped to carry the form of a car seat and carrycot so you can use it right from the moment you are born.
MFM's reviewers have noticed that the 3-wheeler frame doesn't pass through all doors in their homes or small car boots - make sure you know the dimensions of the buggy once it's folded prior to purchasing if you're worried about space.
Look for a 3-wheeler with 2 (or 3!) seats. 3 wheel pushchair is the best choice for your future and can save you money. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is among the most well-known. It can be used from the day of birth as a single buggy and then converted into twin buggies once your baby is walking.
Tyres
These tyres absorb bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's journey more comfortable. You'll find these on pushchairs, such as the Phil and Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath found to offer "an outstanding ride for my toddler". She also said that its grippy tyres made it easier to handle cobbles and kerbs.
3 wheel pushchair are sometimes difficult to maintain and need to be topped up frequently. They are also more vulnerable to punctures than foam tyres. So you'll need to ensure that you have repair kits with spare tubes and a pump in case you go you're out and about in your buggy.
PU tyres are more commonly used on pushchairs since they are less expensive than air-filled tyres, but they are equally durable. PU tyres are easily identified by their matte finish and soft feel. They also slide well on even and tied surfaces.
It's usually possible to tell the distinction between air-filled and PU tire by running your fingers over each one, if it feels hard then it's made of rubber, If it slides, then it's a PU. You can also check whether your buggy comes with PU tyres, by sliding them on flat, clean surfaces. They should roll easily and fit comfortably into wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are typically used in high-performance buggies and joggers since they are able to cope with the rough terrain common to this type of pushchair. The downside of this is that the foam may compress and make your buggy appear less stable because it loses its springy nature. These tyres also make a lot of noise, as they make lots of noise when you turn and drive around town.